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Increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease in patients with atopic conditions other than asthma

Ji A Jung1, Hirohito Kita, Barbara P Yawn

  • 1Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|January 30, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Other atopic conditions, like eczema, increase the risk of serious pneumococcal disease (SPD). This suggests a shared immune mechanism may link atopy and SPD, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Previous research indicated an elevated risk of serious pneumococcal disease (SPD) in asthma patients.
  • The association between other atopic conditions and SPD risk remained unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between non-asthma atopic conditions and the risk of developing serious pneumococcal disease (SPD).

Main Methods:

  • A population-based study in Rochester, Minn., identified 174 SPD cases and matched controls from 1964-1983.
  • Medical records were reviewed to identify atopic conditions (eczema, allergic rhinitis, hay fever) and SPD diagnoses.
  • Conditional logistic regression analyzed the association between atopy and SPD, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Atopic conditions, excluding asthma, were significantly associated with an increased risk of SPD (OR, 2.13; P = .04).
  • Nearly 15% of SPD cases and 8% of controls had atopy.
  • Atopic dermatitis was specifically highlighted as a risk factor.

Conclusions:

  • Atopic conditions, including atopic dermatitis, are linked to a higher risk of serious pneumococcal disease (SPD).
  • A potential common immunogenetic pathway may explain the increased SPD risk in individuals with asthma or other atopic conditions.
  • Further research is recommended to explore these findings.

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